3.15 Unit 3 summary

3.15.1 You should be able to

Make a statistical estimate of a population parameter using a sample

  • Make an estimate for a population parameter using a sample
  • Determine the uncertainty in the estimate
    • Create a bootstrap model to estimate the sampling variation
    • Compute the margin of error and compatibility interval
  • Write an appropriate conclusion that contains the estimate and accounts for uncertainty

Evaluate the generalizability of a study result by examining the external validity evidence for the study, including:

  • Representativeness: Is the sample representative of the population
    • Consider bias in the sampling method
  • Uncertainty: Have the researchers accounted for uncertainty in the result?
    • Consider sampling variation

3.15.2 You should understand

  • Why the sample statistic is the best estimate for the population parameter
  • How to interpret a margin of error and compatibility interval
  • The distinction between bias and sampling variation
  • The meaning of statistical bias and how it is related to representativeness
  • How uncertainty is related to sampling variation

3.15.3 TinkerPlots™ skills

  • Create a “bootstrap” sampler

3.15.4 Vocab

  • Population
  • Sample
  • Bias
  • Uncertainty
  • Representative sample
  • Sampling variation
  • Bootstrap
  • Compatibility interval (AKA: credible interval, confidence interval)
  • Margin of error